Program Overview
This modular B.A. (Hons) Interior Design program combines practical and theoretical modules. The program culminates in a dissertation and a comprehensive design project, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge for interior architecture careers.
Program Outline
(Hons) Interior Design program. The program's structure is modular, with modules categorized by level (HE4, HE5, HE6) indicating the academic year. The modules are:
- Design 1: Fundamentals of Interior Design (ADIAI084, HE4, 40 Credits): A practical module introducing basic interior design principles through commercial and residential projects. It covers fundamental processes, skills, tools, and techniques for developing and communicating spatial design proposals, including drafting, measuring, and surface treatments.
- History of Architecture (ADIAI094, HE4, 20 Credits): A theoretical module covering architectural history from prehistory to the Renaissance. It explores design problem-solving in various building types and aims to inspire students' designs. Students gain an understanding of how architects generate forms, create spaces, and develop building aesthetics throughout history.
- Design 2: Strategies, Construct & Build Materials (ADIAI104, HE4, 20 Credits): A practical module focusing on technical drawings related to interior design (electricity, plumbing, AC, fire protection) within the design process, using a small-scale project in an existing building. It explores how design strategies are informed by context and various requirements (human, aesthetic, environmental, technical).
- Interior Technology of Materials (ADIAI114, HE4, 20 Credits): A theoretical module introducing material types, properties, selection, and specification for design, considering manufacturing technologies and environmental/social effects.
- Design 3: Visual Culture and Alteration (ADIAI125, HE5, 40 Credits): A practical module exploring design interventions within cultural contexts. It covers heritage and cultural values in buildings, their misuse, and methods for adaptive reuse of heritage buildings.
- Design 4: Material & Working Details (ADIAI135, HE5, 20 Credits): This module explores building sustainability and alteration through adaptation, alteration, and extension, emphasizing attention to detail. Students develop research skills, diagnose host buildings, and create mock-up details for materials.
- Architectural History and Urbanism (ADIAI195, HE5, 20 Credits): This module introduces architectural history and urbanism as contemporary practices, showing their contribution to architectural culture (theory and design).
- IAI Dissertation (ADIAI196, HE6, 40 Credits): Students systematically research and write a dissertation on a topic of interest, demonstrating understanding of a specialist area.
- IAI Graduation Project - Prototype (ADIAI206, HE6, 40 Credits): This module studies the design project process from inception to occupation, including roles within project teams (client, designer), through practical exercises and critical evaluation.
- IAI Graduation Project (ADIAI216, HE6, 40 Credits): A culminating design project demonstrating the student's skills and abilities in interior architecture and innovation within the discipline.
Other:
The program requires students to submit a portfolio for a portfolio inspection group interview session or to take an aptitude test as part of the admissions process. The portfolio should include a self-statement, sketchbooks, paintings, photographs, and digital work (on a memory stick). Students also indicate their department preferences (Fine Art, Interior Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Graphic & Media Photography, Game Design, Illustration Animation) when submitting their portfolio. These choices are not fixed and depend on module grades and Prep Year performance.
The British University in Egypt (BUE) is a private institution located in El Shorouk City, Cairo, established in September 2005. It offers a British-style education, awarding degrees validated by partner UK universities and recognized by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities.
Academic Structure:
BUE comprises several faculties, including:
- Business Administration, Economics, and Political Science
- Dentistry
- Engineering
- Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Information and Computer Science
- Mass Communication
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Arts and Design
These faculties offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required in today's job market.
Admissions:
Admission to BUE is competitive and aligns with the regulations set by the Egyptian Council of Private Universities. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic performance and English proficiency. Detailed information on the application process, including specific requirements for various educational certificates, is available on the university's official admissions page.
Campus and Facilities:
The main campus spans approximately 40 acres, featuring modern teaching facilities, state-of-the-art laboratories, a comprehensive library, and various recreational amenities. The university is committed to providing a conducive learning environment that fosters both academic and personal growth.
Accreditation and Partnerships:
BUE maintains strong collaborations with UK institutions such as London South Bank University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Queen Margaret University. These partnerships ensure that the curricula meet international standards and provide students with opportunities for global exposure. Additionally, BUE is accredited by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities and has received recognition from the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) for its commitment to maintaining high educational standards.
Leadership:
The university is led by President Professor Mohamed Loutfi, who assumed the position in 2021. Professor Loutfi brings a wealth of experience from previous academic roles in both the UK and Egypt. In December 2022, the esteemed cardiologist Sir Magdi Yacoub was appointed as the first honorary chancellor of BUE, reflecting the institution's dedication to excellence in education and research.
Entry Requirements:
The British University in Cairo's admission requirements adhere to Egyptian Council of Private & National Universities (CPNU) regulations. Specific requirements for the B.A. Additionally, applicants must attend a portfolio inspection group interview session or take an aptitude test.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Category 1: Direct entry to the program.
- Category 2: Conditional entry, requiring further English language study. In addition to the above, all applicants must participate in either a portfolio review and interview or an aptitude test. The portfolio should include a self-statement, sketchbooks, paintings, photographs, and digital work (on a memory stick). The aptitude test requires pencils, erasers, colored pencils, a 60cm ruler, and colored and black markers.
